Breadcrumb
Information for Families
Safety statement
Safety trumps everything in international volunteer service. We provide secure, comfortable and clean lodging in all host communities. Meals are prepared by qualified cooks – either in restaurants or community housing. In-country transportation is provided by qualified drivers in commercial vehicles such as taxis, buses, and vans, or in Global Volunteers vehicles. Most important, we monitor and comply with travel warnings issued by the U.S. State Department, even if it means canceling a service program. Further safety measures are:
- CPR and first-aid certified team leaders who are trained in personal and national emergency protocols.
- Emergency medical evacuation insurance for volunteers serving outside the U.S.
- Emergency contact 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
- Health and safety guidelines in our Volunteer Manual.
Family Information
Applications become available August 31st and are due October 15th
Students are notified in December of acceptance into the program, their destinations,
and dates of trip.
All students who are selected will be enrolled in a 1 credit course to prepare for their service learning trips. Students selected for a summer destination will take their 1 credit course during the spring semester. Students selected for a winter destination or spring break destination will take their 1 credit service learning course during the fall semester.
General timeline
- September 15th, 2023: Application portal opens for students
- December: Students are notified of their selections.
- Spring/Fall Students take 1 credit service-learning course.
- Selected dates Summer/Winter/Spring Break students travel and volunteer in selected destinations.
- During the semester following their service, students present their experience at UCM.
FAQs
Will my student be safe on the Global Vision trip?
Our partnership with Global Volunteers provides a reliably safe and well-equipped accommodation and facility. Health and Safety of volunteers is a matter of great importance and reasonable measures are in place to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all participants.
In addition, UCM’s study abroad insurance also provides resources should students need any medical attention traveling to or from their destination with zero deductible, for medical treatments, evacuation if necessary, and repatriation to the United States in case of the worst emergencies.
All students are also enrolled in the Study Abroad SafeCheck program to receive notifications of emergencies and request assistance if needed.
Who will be traveling with my student?
Most programs will be a group of 10-20 students depending on location capacity. Each group of students will be accompanied by 2 UCM chaperones who are current Faculty or Staff. These chaperones will be trained in a workshop by faculty and staff that have traveled before on the programs.
What’s the difference between Global Vision and Global Volunteers?
The Global Vision scholarship is available to UCM students through the generosity of an anonymous donor. They participated in a similar program through Global Volunteers and committed to making this opportunity available to UCM students, especially those who might not otherwise be able to travel or study abroad.
Global Volunteers is a unique service organization that provides opportunities for volunteers to travel and contribute to under-resourced communities in a variety of locations around the world. Their philosophies of work are impressive in comparison to many organizations. They work under local leadership providing only needs that are requested. They have been recognized internationally in particular for their Reaching Children’s Potential program which has helped alleviate a variety of conditions, including stunting.
What kind of service will my student be involved in?
Locations and needs vary. Students might participate in these communities in assisting with building, restoring structures, teaching English, educating mothers and families about health and nutrition. Students with unique major focuses may find themselves engaged in related industries, such as pre-med students assisting in a clinic.
